Saskatchewan ride share site to help bus users for when STC stops at end of May

ReDyk, who lives in Yorkton, told CKRM that he has been a long-time user of STC for travel to Regina for medical appointments. (Photo: Saskatchewan Transportation Company – STC/ Facebook)

YORKTON, Sask. – A web developer has launched a site to help people who need lifts when Saskatchewan Transportation Company bus services end.

Dick ReDyk’s SaskRideShare allows people to submit offers to provide rides, or list their need for a ride, between communities in Saskatchewan.

ReDyk, who lives in Yorkton, told CKRM that he has been a long-time user of STC for travel to Regina for medical appointments.

His site went live last week but ReDyk says he doesn’t expect much demand for it until the buses stop running at the end of May.

The province announced in the budget in March that STC would close, citing a continued drop in ridership and profits.

ReDyk says he knows many companies are looking at taking over the bus routes, but he worries about service for smaller communities.

“The Yorkton to Regina bus might be reasonably busy, but what about the people in my part of the province, for instance from Kamsack, Preeceville, Norquay, that would need to get to Yorkton in order to catch the bus?” ReDyk asked.

“We think there’s a need for it. Time will tell.”

With $85 million needed over the next five years to sustain the provincial bus company, the government said it made the “difficult decision” to bring STC to an end.

A GoFundMe page was started on behalf of the ride-share website with a goal of $12,000.

ReDyk says many costs are involved in hosting a website and the money will go towards future expansion, should it grow in popularity.

ReDyk pledges that people who offer rides, or need transportation, will not be charged a fee.